Steve Sorensen Blogs

Poetry can be a truly elusive creature, given the estrangement many feel from it. A lot of young people detest reading it simply because they are burdened with the premise of immediately getting what the poem means. But it need not be like this.

If one is serious about writing poetry, the first thing to keep in mind is that there is no muse. The first rule in poetry (as in all writing) is to write, not to wait for sublime moments. Highly emotional moments can ruin poems as the barrage of emotions impede writers from good diction and the so-called required distance. How many times have you written a “poem” and came back to it within a few days seeing that the words are cheesy or cliché? That’s simply because often we let emotions drive the poem onwards.

On the surface, almost academic level, poems are “best words in the best order” (a quote from Samuel Coleridge). Meaning, they are initially propelled by good diction coupled with good syntax. Before one considers more complex conceits and intentions, poets must check that the lines and stanzas don’t come across as mere greeting card spiels. Poetry doesn’t have the same appeal as pop songs; someone who wants to write poems must transcend this mindset.

The duty of poetry is not to the truth, but to the possible. So that when one reads a poem, the initial reaction is something like, “hmmm, I haven’t thought of it that way before, but that sounds true.” In a word, verisimilitude: a semblance of, a hint at the truth. But not the truth itself. Ultimately, poetry requires us to not be enslaved by so much by meaning as by meaningfulness.

Hello, I’m Steve Sorensen, and I’m a 32-year-old writer based in San Diego. For similar reads, check out this website.

Known for its massive size, the yellowfin tuna is a beautiful and tasty fish found throughout the world in warm waters. The biggest yellowfins are more than 400lbs. Here are some tips for catching the big yellowfin tuna.

The first thing to do when putting a trip together to fish for anything is to check the weather. Don’t try your chances when it’s windy. The best weather is when there’s an overcast.

2. Check for the water temperature

Since tuna typically follow warm water currents, find temperature gradients on ocean maps and fish on the warm sides, which may be 5 miles or more than 100 miles offshore, depending on the time of year.

3. Use an electronic fish finder

If you’re on the techy side, you can use an electronic fish finder to find schools of tuna. After arriving at the warm water current frequented by tuna, the fish finder tells where the fish are and how deep they are from the surface.

Once you have a hook on the fish, the hardest part of the work has been done. You’ve found the fish, and there’s no need to try to rip the head off to get it on the boat in 10 seconds flat. Take your time, size up its body, get a sense of how big it is, and play it out. Let it run if it wants to, tire it out so it’ll be easier to land later.

I’m Steve Sorensen, freelance writer and water sports enthusiast from San Diego. If you are into fishing, head over to my Facebook page for more tips.

One of the first things you’ll come across when learning to fish is choosing which type of fishing rod you will use. There are various types of fishing rods with specific uses, and sometimes it gets confusing. These rods are used to target different species of fish for different fishing locations.

Casting rods are designed to allow the fisherman to accurately place a bait or lure wherever they want to. Usually casting rods are split into two: spin casting rods and bait casting rods. But most modern rods are simply sold as ‘casting rods’ without differentiation.

Spinning rods

They’re very similar to casting rods but are slightly smaller and lighter. The main difference between the two is the way they’re used. Casting reels are used on the top of the rod while spinning reels hang beneath, making them more comfortable and easier to use.

Fly rods

Fly rods come in different sizes and shapes. They’re specifically designed for fly fishing. They are flexible and lightweight, allowing you to work the fly back and forth without much effort.

John Carpenter is an outstanding horror director. No, scratch that. John Carpenter is an outstanding director. His body of work includes classics such as Halloween, The Thing, The Fog, and Escape from New York. But somewhere towards the end of the 80s, Carpenter (unintentionally) came out with arguably his best work, Big Trouble in Little China.

Big Trouble in Little China would have been a disastrous mix of film genres and elements if it all didn’t fit so perfectly. It was everything a Hollywood blockbuster isn’t, and everything a cult classic should be.

First let’s take a look at the goofy yet tough hero Jack Burton, played to perfection by Kurt Russell. He’s a parody of the all-American know-it-all who has a lot of muscles, but rarely knows what to do with them. He has wit, a misplaced confidence, and a good heart. All in all, Jack is great for a few laughs and a ton of memorable one-liners. Also, he’s easy to love.

Then, check out all the genres they put into the movie, from Hong Kong kung fu, to western, to urban fantasy, to straight up action. You’d expect something like this to fail miserably today. But like all cult classics, Big Trouble in Little China gets better with age. Even with dated effects, this film has stood the test of time. John Carpenter’s masterpiece has gotten repeated viewings in theaters all around the world, and people still download it on Netflix.

Hi! I’m Steve Sorensen, and I love the outdoors. When I’m not hiking or fishing, I’m writing about anything and everything. Today, I thought of writing about my favorite movies. For more about the stuff I love, check out this website.

The Aztecs considered the cocoa bean as food of the gods. The bean was loved for its many nutritional benefits and its delicious taste. As it gained popularity in the New World, the bean – which is the main ingredient for chocolate – underwent many processes. Today, commercialized chocolate is known to contain many additives. Cocoa beans, however, can still be incorporated in the diet. Here’s how:

Use it raw: Raw cocoa powder is jampacked with antioxidants. Eating dark chocolate can significantly reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke. Medical studies have even found cocoa to improve blood pressure and HDL cholesterol levels. The full benefits can be experienced if it is taken raw or with little to no additives (especially sugar).

Start small: The taste of pure cocoa can take some getting used to. A good way to begin is to use it as a garnish. Dieticians suggest sprinkling raw cocoa power over fruit or frozen yogurt. The effect is a guilt-free dessert. Another good suggestion is to toast a whole-grain slice of bread, layer it with raw nut butter, add a layer of banana, and then sprinkle it with cocoa powder.

Remember that cocoa, in itself, is healthy. That is why it is extremely important that one looks for certified raw, unsweetened powder when in the store. Really good cocoa also has higher fat content (as much as 24 percent from others), which should not be cause for worry. This just means that the cocoa has more flavor and you don’t need to use as much. Taken correctly, cocoa even aids weight loss.

Steve Sorensen is an investor in Crio Bru, which distributes raw cocoa powder. To learn more, like this Facebook page.

There is a reason why there is a clamor to get rid of the practice of injecting hormones and feeding antibiotics to livestock. More studies are showing the hazards to health when humans consume meat from cattle that had been fed with these additives.

A number of hormones are administered to cattle, including estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, zeranol, and trenbolone acetate, all of which are meant to hasten growth and improve yield. Some studies show how consumption of these hormones might affect the natural balance of hormones in humans. A study in 2009 claimed that the hormones promoted an early onset of puberty among children. But the most pressing concern is how artificially induced hormones might stimulate an increase in the body's production of natural hormones, which increases the risk of cancer.

Furthermore, scientists have noted the seeming rise of antibiotic-resistant "superbugs," caused primarily by people's indiscriminate consumption of antibiotics. Studies suggest that the antibiotics fed to livestock might have also contributed when about 80 percent of antibiotics produced in the US are used in livestock farming.

Seasoned businessman Steve Sorensen is a partner in Flying V-Bar Ranch, whose Sweetwater division raises natural hormone- and antibiotic-free cattle. The cattle is free to graze the ranch's pastures. Learn more about Steve and his work by subscribing to this Facebook page.

The missionary life will more often than not be challenging and test one’s faith. The testimony of Mormon missionary John H. Groberg in his journey to build a kingdom of thriving Mormon communities in the Pacific archipelago Tonga exhibits just how challenging missions can be.

Groberg, at a young age of 19 and after finishing just one year at Brigham Young University, was given the assignment of going to the LDS Church in the Tongan islands with few resources and no previous knowledge of the Tongan culture and language.

Even getting to Tonga proved to be an arduous task for Groberg as he was delayed from reaching the country by strikes, visa problems, and transport issues. And upon his arrival, he learned his first assignment was a remote island named Niuatoputapu, a place that had limited external contact, save for telegraphs and visiting boats.

Not only did Groberg have to endure the lack of unity, morality, and cooperation from natives, he also suffered from physical hardships, such as mosquito bites, his soles getting eaten by rats, starvation, and exhaustion, and natural calamities. He also went through isolation as he had little communication with his supervising mission president.

Inspiringly, Groberg was able to accomplish his God-given mission. He has gone on to live a full life, marrying Jean Sabin and raising 11 children together, while still continuing to work for the church. Groberg also became a general authority of the LDS Church in April 1976.

He wrote a memoir, “In the Eye of the Storm,” about his mission, which was also adapted into the Disney movie The Other Side of Heaven.

Staffing industry expert and businessman Steve Sorensen is a member and a return missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons). Visit this LinkedIn profile to know more about Mr. Sorensen.

Running a business brings a privilege of giving to organizations, religious work, and charitable causes that matter. Business owners give back monetarily or through volunteering to help accomplish their chosen organization’s goals. But it’s not just the charities that benefit from a business’s help; it is a two-way street. Below is a list of what businesses get when they give back.

Tax deductions: Businesses that support charities can get tax deductions. Donations like sponsorships and cash donations are tax-deductible. Companies can get deductions of up to 50 percent of their Adjusted Gross Income. However, business leaders must take note that they should work with an organization that is recognized by the IRS to get tax deductions.

Publicity: Getting involved in a bigger cause opens a door of opportunities for businesses to connect with consumers and possible partners. Many customers choose a company they feel they share the same values. Customers also see companies involved in charitable work as more trustworthy compared to their competitors.

Employee retention: Many young employees choose to work for a company that allows them to do volunteer work without sacrificing their leisure time. Doing the good work also boosts employees’ morale. It also helps as a way of team building.

Steve Sorensen is the former owner of Select Staffing, a company that offers staffing services for IT and engineering companies, and Butler America. He is also greatly involved in religious and charitable causes as an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Learn more about his field of work by visiting this Facebook page.